Connect with us

Published

on

The background check provider for Match Group, the corporate parent of Tinder, Match.com, Hinge and Plenty of Fish, ended its partnership with the dating app giant despite reports that sex offenders used the apps to find their victims.

Two years ago, Match Group tapped digital-safety platform Garbo to conduct background checks for users on its dating apps through a consumer-facing business tool that let users run a limited number of free screenings on a potential suitor using just their last name and phone number.

Garbo’s tool then generated a report allowing users to see public reports about violence, past arrests, convictions and restraining orders.

However, Garbo announced in a press release on Thursday that it’s done working with Match Group.

Its unclear what went wrong between the two companies, though the release said that Garbo “will work on future projects in stronger alignment with its mission, vision and values.”

Garbo CEO Kathryn Kosmides also shared a blog post on Thursday titled “Evolving with Purpose: Our Next Phase at Garbo” that appeared to place blame on Match Group for the partnership falling apart.

“Over the last few years, we have faced a lack of support and real initiative from online platforms, continuous harassment and threats by bad actors on these platforms and the prolific issues across the justice systems including access to proper local, state and federal government records,” Kosmides penned.

The Garbo chief also nodded to the turmoil between the two companies in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, saying: “Most tech companies just see trust and safety as good PR.”

According to Kosmides’ post, users on Match Group’s dating platforms who have claimed credits to conduct background checks will be able to use those credits through the end of the month.

As of Sept. 1, Garbo “will be shifting back to being volunteer run,” Kosmides also shared, noting that the company will “never allow profit to rule over protection.”

Since 2021, Match Group has been Garbo’s largest consumer partner. It was also the first partnership of its kind for Garbo, which operates as a 501c3 nonprofit, according to The Journal.

A Match Group spokesperson told The Post: “While we are disappointed that we were unable to come to an agreement, we are in advanced conversations with alternate providers and will announce a new partnership soon.”

The spokesperson added that the dating app giant is “working quickly to announce a new provider” for its safety measures.

The Post has also sought comment from Garbo.

Garbo was first rolled out on Tinder, where users who logged into the app’s safety center would be redirected to Garbo to conduct a basic background check on a stranger they swiped right on.

Dating platforms like those in Match Group’s portfolio — which also includes Hinge, OkCupid and Hakuna, a livestreaming platform designed to help people find community — have upped security measures since multiple reports of women reportedly being sexually assaulted by men they met through online platforms.

A study released last year by researchers from Brigham Young University in Utah then revealed an “incredibly concerning” number of predators find their victims on dating apps.

After analyzing the records of almost 2,000 sexual assault victims between 2017 and 2020, the study found that 14% of the attacks occurred after meeting on a dating app.

Another concerning trend was that the targeted victims often have mental illnesses and the attacks were significantly more violent.

Those with mental illnesses like depression may be more susceptible to a predator who might, for example, flatter them profusely and persuade them to meet in person, Valentine explained in a press release. In a dating app, people can shape themselves however they want to appeal to vulnerable victims.

According to Valentine, college students are the age group most likely to be targeted.

At the time, in 2022, she also said safety measures on dating apps were inadequate despite Garbo and Match Group’s partnership.

Continue Reading

Politics

Crypto hacks are a wake-up call for DeFi

Published

on

By

Crypto hacks are a wake-up call for DeFi

Crypto hacks are a wake-up call for DeFi

Crypto hacks underscore the urgent need for CEXs and DeFi to overhaul their security, collaborate on risk management and embrace self-regulation.

Continue Reading

Politics

FATF’s crypto checklist hints at the next regulatory crackdown

Published

on

By

FATF’s crypto checklist hints at the next regulatory crackdown

FATF’s crypto checklist hints at the next regulatory crackdown

The FATF is shaping global crypto rules from behind the scenes, with stablecoins and DeFi next in line for scrutiny.

Continue Reading

Environment

Kia’s first electric hatchback is here and it has nearly 400 miles range: Meet the EV4 hatch

Published

on

By

Kia's first electric hatchback is here and it has nearly 400 miles range: Meet the EV4 hatch

Who said hatchbacks are going out of style? Kia’s first electric hatchback, the EV4, went on sale in the UK on Monday, offering the longest driving range of any of its EVs to date. Here’s a full breakdown of prices and specs.

Meet the EV4, Kia’s first electric hatchback

After launching the sedan version in Korea in April, the EV4 already took the top spot as the best-selling domestic electric sedan in its second month on the market. It’s already being called a “box office hit.” Now, the new hatch variant is officially on sale.

Kia opened orders for the EV4 hatchback in the UK on Monday, starting from £34,695 ($47,700). The EV4 is Kia’s first crack at an electric hatchback.

With an impressive 388 miles of WLTP driving range, it’s also the longest driving range of any EV Kia has ever produced.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

The hatch is based on the same E-GMP platform as the EV4 sedan and Kia’s other electric vehicles, but it’s custom-tailored for European buyers.

The base EV4 “Air” is available with two battery packs: 58.2 kWh or 81.4 kWh, providing a WLTP driving range of up to 273 miles or 388 miles on a full charge. Kia said it’s the brand’s first electric vehicle offering a range of over 380 miles.

Kia-EV4-first-electric-hatchback
Kia EV4 hatchback GT-Line (Source: Kia)

The sporty “GT-Line” and top-spec “GT-Line S” variants are available exclusively with the extended range (81.4 kWh) battery, which offers a range of 362 miles.

All EV4 hatchback models are powered by a single front motor with 201 bhp (150 kW) and 283 Nm of torque, good for a 0 to 62 mph sprint in 7.5 secs.

Kia's-first-electric-hatchback
Kia EV4 hatchback (Source: Kia)

The interior features a similar setup to Kia’s latest EV models, like the EV3 and EV9, with its new connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) at the center. The setup features dual 12.3″ driver clusters and infotainment screens in a curved panoramic display. An additional 5.3″ touchscreen for climate control is included for easy access to heating and ventilation functions.

Like the EV3, Kia’s electric hatchback will include an AI Assistant, powered by ChatGPT. It will also be the brand’s first vehicle with several entertainment settings, including “Rest mode” and Theatre mode.”

Kia-EV4-first-electric-hatchback-interior
Kia EV4 hatchback interior (Source: Kia)

With all the seats upright, the electric hatch has a boot space of 435 liters, which Kia claims makes it “one of the most practical vehicles in its segment.”

With a length of 4,430 mm, a width of 1,860 mm, and a height of 1,485 mm, the EV4 hatchback is about the size of Kia’s XCreed.

The EV4 hatch can recharge from 10% to 80% in 29 minutes, while the larger battery will take approximately 31 minutes to charge using a 350 kW DC fast charger.

Kia EV4 hatchback trim Starting Price Driving Range
(WLTP)
Air Standard Range £34,695 ($47,700) 273 miles
Air Long Range £37,695 ($51,700) 388 miles
GT-Line £39,395 ($54,000) 362 miles
GT-Line S £43,895 ($60,200) 362 miles
Kia EV4 hatchback prices and range in the UK

Kia opened orders for the new electric hatch on Monday, July 1. It will join the EV3, EV6, and EV9 in the brand’s European lineup. The EV4 hatchback will be built at Kia’s plant in Slovakia to expedite deliveries, which are scheduled to begin in the Fall.

Kia also announced on Monday that a new EV4 Fastback variant will join the lineup, but didn’t offer any additional details. More info, including prices and specs, “will be revealed in due course.” Check back soon for the latest.

What do you think of Kia’s first electric hatchback? Would you buy one in the US? Unfortunately, it’s not likely to make the trip overseas, but we will see the sedan version launch at some point in early 2026. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending